The branch of HSBC bank in Maldon High Street will close in July, it has been announced today (Tuesday, 19 January).

The news came as part of announcement from the bank that it is planning to shut 82 of its local and High Street branches nationwide.

HSCB said that the pandemic had emphasised the need to reduce its physical network and focus on being a "market-leading digital bank".

The bank also said news of the closures would bring "certainty to customers and colleagues". It is expected that staff at the branch will be offered redeployment within 15 miles of their homes.

Jackie Uhi, HSBC's Head of Network, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has emphasised the need for the changes that we are making.

"It hasn't pushed us in a different direction but reinforces the things that we were focusing on before and has crystalised our thinking. This is a strategic direction that we need to take to have a branch network fit for the future.

"Making sure we have a sustainable branch network is essential to us, and decisions to close branches are not taken lightly. By ensuring we have the most suitable branch format in each specific local market that we serve, we will ensure that we are in good shape to meet the challenges ahead."